The evaluation is a multi-centre study using a mixed-methods approach across four work packages (WP).

Work Package 1

In this work package we will identify 12 GP practices in three different areas across England. In each practice we will speak to people who have a ReSPECT form. If the individual cannot take part, we will speak to a member of their family. We will ask the person or their family about their experience of having the conversation with their doctor. We will also ask them what they think about the process and the form. We will speak to GPs who complete ReSPECT forms to find out their views and to managers of care homes who have residents with a completed ReSPECT form.

Work Package 2

In this work package we will explore a wider range of views about emergency care treatment plans. We will speak to other health care professionals, members of the public, and Faith leaders in focus groups and carry out two national surveys, one for GPs and one for the public

Work Package 3

In this work package we will look at the medical records of people who have a ReSPECT form in our twelve GP practices. We will find out if these people have been seriously unwell since the form was completed. If they have, we will check to see if the decisions made when they were ill matched the recommendations on their ReSPECT form.

Work Package 4

In this work package, we are collaborating with an organisation that is co-led by people with a learning disability called CHANGELink opens in a new window (this link will open in a new window) who are based in Leeds. CHANGE is co-producing this work package by recruiting people with a learning disability to become involved as part of the Advisory Group. Members of the Advisory Group are working with us to develop a series of planned workshops with people who have a learning disability. These workshops will explore the views of people with a learning disability about emergency care and treatment plans like ReSPECT and the best ways for the ReSPECT process to be undertaken within Primary Care services. CHANGE have also developed the easy read materials that we are using to support people with a learning disability to take part in conversations with CHANGE and researchers involved in Work Package 4. For further information, please visit the participant informationLink opens in a new window page (this link will open in a new window).

Alternatively, please watch the videoLink opens in a new window which explains everything you need to know about this work package and how you can contribute to this research.

Work Package 5

We will bring together all the information we get from the first four work packages and present our findings at a stakeholder conference in March 2023 which will include members of patient and carer organisations and health care professionals. We will work with the stakeholder participants to refine the key messages that have emerged from our findings to consider how identified obstacles to implementation of ReSPECT in Primary Care can be overcome and suggested mechanisms for successful embedding of ReSPECT in day-to-day primary care practice.